Tigers to mix it up for must-win match

ALBURY likely to continue trialling combinations as it attempts to overcome key injuries.

Yarrawonga's Kaitlyn Cummins looked for options as she was surrounded by Tigers players last year. Picture: TARA GOONAN

ALBURY is likely to continue trialling combinations as it attempts to overcome key injuries ahead of its must win netball clash with Myrtleford in the Ovens Valley on Saturday.

The Tigers have lost Teegan Dolling for the season and were without prize recruit Liv Aughton when beaten 45-29 by reigning premiers Lavington last weekend.

Albury used several combinations in the slippery conditions and may trial others this week at the McNamara Reserve.

Coach Jenny Jones said they didn’t handle the wet as well as their opponents.

“We didn’t adjust to the conditions as well as Lavington,” she said.

“But the girls gave 100 per cent and we can’t be disappointed with their commitment.

“We were trialling some combinations with players coming out of the B grade and some worked and others were less successful.

“But there are others in B grade who played in their win last weekend that may offer an alternative.

“Lavington would have the best goals defence in the league, their defenders are tall and there was a significant height difference in the goal circle.

“Kiara McLean has come to the club from Corowa-Rutherglen and did well but we will wait until later in the week to settle on a squad.

“Obviously Teegan is out for the rest of the year but we hope to get Liv back sooner than later.”

Jones said they needed to cement their spot in the top five and that meant winning against the Saints.

Myrtleford faded out of the contest with Corowa-Rutherglen last week and the Tigers coach expects that will be a catalyst to a four-quarter performance from the Saints.

“We need to win this game if we are to be part of finals this year,” she said.

“It is always tough to judge where you are at when you haven’t finished the first round but it would be reasonable to expect that Myrtleford is one of the teams looking to sneak into the top-5 as well.”

The Saints were beaten 56-44 by the Roos after being within three goals at three-quarter-time last Saturday.